Silicone lymphadenopathy: an unexpected cause of neck lumps

J Laryngol Otol. 2012 Sep;126(9):970-3. doi: 10.1017/S0022215112001089. Epub 2012 Jun 7.

Abstract

Objective: To report a rare case of silicone lymphadenopathy solely affecting the left supraclavicular lymph nodes.

Case report: Our patient presented with a painless swelling in the left supraclavicular region. Notably, she had previously undergone cosmetic breast augmentation using silicone-containing implants. Radiological imaging and subsequent excisional biopsy of the swelling produced findings consistent with a silicone foreign body reaction secondary to bilateral breast implant rupture.

Conclusion: Silicone lymphadenopathy following breast augmentation primarily affects the axillary nodes. Supraclavicular lymph node involvement is unusual. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the English language literature of silicone lymphadenopathy manifesting solely in the supraclavicular lymph nodes. Although the need to exclude malignancy in such cases is of the utmost importance, silicone lymphadenopathy should also be considered in the differential diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a useful initial investigation, which may be followed up by excisional biopsy and histological analysis for further confirmatory diagnostic information.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Breast Implants / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / diagnosis
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / etiology*
  • Foreign-Body Reaction / pathology
  • Humans
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Lymphatic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lymphatic Diseases / etiology*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mammaplasty / adverse effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck*
  • Silicone Gels / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Silicone Gels